How can I tell if I've got a Sexually Transmitted Infection
A guide to male and female condoms
Free condoms - Condoms are FREE at all our clinics and also via the Ayrshire and Arran Ccard scheme.
How can I tell if I've got an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection)
Some infections don't have any symptoms, so if you're worried get a check at your local Sexual Health Clinic .
Signs of an infection Get checked out if you notice:
Free condoms - Condoms are FREE at all our clinics and also at various locations throughout Ayrshire and Arran through the C Card scheme
A guide to male and female condoms
Male and female condoms are barrier methods of contraception. They stop sperm meeting an egg. A male condom fits over a man's erect penis and is made of very thin latex (rubber) or polyurethane (plastic). A female condom is made of very thin polyurethane. It is put into the vagina and lines it. Femidom is the only female condom available in the UK.
You can get male condoms free from a family planning clinic, many sexual health clinics and some GPs. Female condoms are free from some family planning clinics. You can buy male and female condoms from a pharmacy or through mail order as well as from vending machines, supermarkets, garages and other shops.
Contraception is free through the National Health Service:
To find your local clinic on this site click here
Free condoms are also available through NHS Ayrshire and Arrans' C card scheme…….
You should always use condoms with a CE mark or a BSI kitemark on the pack. Don't use the condom after the use-by-date. Before using a condom you should remove rough edges of fingernails or any rings, which might split the rubber.
If the inner package round the condom is damaged in any way, do not use it. Open the package carefully so as not to damage the condom inside. Check that the condom will unroll - the teat end might be inside out!
It is important to remember, that water based lubricant is equally as important as condom use when engaging in Anal sex. Use a water based lubricant like KY Jelly or Senselle. DO NOT use Vaseline, baby oil or other oil-based lubricant or creams with a condom because they can perish rubber within minutes. Never use a condom more than once.
If the condom splits or you forget to use it, act quickly. Ask about emergency contraception at your local sexual health clinic or GP's surgery. You must go within 3 days but seek help as quick as possible. What you say to a doctor is confidential.
How to Use A Female Condom
Hints
• for extra moisture and comfort use any water or oil based lubricant
• add extra lubticant if: outer ring is pushed inside the vagina, the penis sticks, you hear noise during sex
If you are worried about having had unprotected sex and sexually transmitted infections you can get a check up at your local Sexual Health Clinic.
Testicular Self Examination
Testicular self examination helps find cancer at an early stage and saves lives. Testicular cancer affects a man's testes or 'balls'. Although testicular cancer is not that common, it is the most common cancer to affect young men and occurs most often between the ages of 19 to 44 years old. Most importantly, detected early enough it is almost always curable.
Self-examination of your testicles is best done after a bath or shower when your scrotum is relaxed. Holding your scrotum in the palms of the hands use your fingers and thumbs to examine the shape, size, consistency, and smoothness of the testes. It's not unusual for one testicle to be larger than the other or for one to hang lower than the other.
Look out for swelling of the testicle or a pea-sized hard lump on the testicle. Sometimes there may be a dull ache or a sharp pain felt around the testicle or in the scrotum. If you notice any of these, or if you're worried and just want some reassurance that everything is OK, then ask your GP to check you. Most swellings are not cancer, but don't ignore any changes or concerns.
For further information on performing testicular self examination visit::
Testicle self-examination video on Dr Chris Steele's www.thefamilygp.com
OR
http://www.kewego.co.uk/video/iLyROoaftXUO.html
Emergency contraception - what you need to know
If you have had sex without using contraception, or if your contraception failed, you or your partner can use emergency contraception. If you act quickly, emergency contraception will usually prevent pregnancy. Pills need to be taken within 72 hours.
IUCD's (Coils) can also be used for emergency contraception. They can be used up to five days after unprotected sex (and sometimes even longer). Contact a Family Planning Clinic (01294 323228) or your GP for advice.
Women can get emergency contraception pills free from:
- your GP
- any family planning clinic
- any young person's clinic
- most sexual health clinics
- Ayr hospital accident and emergency department
- most pharmacies
- out of hours the emergency doctor service (ADOC) phone first
You can buy emergency contraception pills from most pharmacies.
All the advice and treatment you receive is confidential - wherever you receive it
If you have had unprotected sex you are also at risk of sexually transmitted infections, if you are worried about infections you can get checked out at your local Sexual Health Clinic
Prostate
Prostate problems are very common in older men. The most common symptoms caused by prostate problems are:-
The prostate gland is about the size and shape of a walnut. It is a gland found only in men and is just below the bladder. When you pass urine it flows through a tube (urethra) and out through the penis. The urethra has to pass through the prostate before reaching the penis. This is why some men have problems with urinating when they have an enlarged prostate.
Fluid produced by the prostate forms part of semen and may help to nourish sperm.
Prostate cancer affects around one in twelve men, however, the commonest cause of prostate problems is benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, which is non-cancerous.
It's important to note that these symptoms may be an indication of other health problems or diseases that can be easily cured.
It is important that if you suffer from any of these symptoms that you consult your GP.
For further information on prostate problems visit:- www.prostatescot.co.uk
Impotence
Impotence, or erectile dysfunction to give it its proper name, means that your erection does not stay hard enough, for long enough, to allow you to have satisfactory sex. Men of any age may be affected, although it becomes more likely with age. One in ten men in the UK is affected, so although you may feel alone, in reality you're not.
Not smoking, eating a healthy diet, not over-doing it with the booze, taking regular exercise, getting enough sleep and rest, and keeping stress levels to a minimum will help prevent impotence. Talking to your partner and seeking help from the doctor will help you overcome the problem.
If you are having problems with impotence there is a specialist service at Ayr Hospital. Your GP or sexual health clinic can refer you there.
